Nursing Elites

1. The client with DM who is taking insulin develops a fever and becomes confused. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Check the client's blood glucose level.
• B. Administer a fever-reducing medication.
• C. Give the client fluids to drink.
• D. Notify the health care provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) taking insulin, the development of fever and confusion may indicate hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Checking the blood glucose level is the priority action in this situation. This will help determine if the symptoms are related to high blood sugar levels, guiding further interventions. Administering a fever-reducing medication (choice B) addresses only the symptom of fever and does not address the underlying cause. Providing fluids to drink (choice C) is important but should come after addressing the potential hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Notifying the health care provider (choice D) can be important, but immediate action to evaluate and manage the client's condition should precede contacting the provider.

2. A healthcare professional is monitoring a client newly diagnosed with DM for signs of complications. Which sign or symptom, if exhibited in the client, indicates that the client is at risk for chronic complications of diabetes if blood glucose levels are not adequately managed?

• A. Polyuria
• B. Diaphoresis
• C. Pedal edema
• D. Proteinuria

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proteinuria is the correct answer because it indicates kidney damage, which is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Elevated blood glucose levels over time can damage the kidneys, leading to proteinuria. Polyuria (excessive urination) is a symptom of diabetes but does not specifically indicate a risk for chronic complications. Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and pedal edema (swelling of the lower limbs) are not direct indicators of chronic complications related to uncontrolled diabetes.

3. A psychological contract exists between staff members and nurse managers. Which of the following best describes this relationship?

• A. Nurse managers provide positive evaluations, and in turn, staff members do what managers ask of them.
• B. Nurse managers coordinate multiple departments and supervise multiple staff members.
• C. Staff members do what managers ask of them and, in turn, are rewarded through assignments, promotions, and evaluations.
• D. Nurse managers advocate for staff and support nursing roles and ethical practice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In a psychological contract between staff members and nurse managers, staff members are expected to fulfill the requests of managers, and in return, they are rewarded with assignments, promotions, and evaluations. This reciprocal relationship forms the basis of the psychological contract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately capture the essence of the psychological contract. While nurse managers may provide positive evaluations, coordinate departments, supervise staff, advocate for staff, and support nursing roles, these actions alone do not define the specific reciprocal nature of the psychological contract outlined in choice C.

4. Which nursing diagnosis takes the highest priority for a female client with hyperthyroidism?

• A. Risk for imbalanced nutrition: More than body requirements related to thyroid hormone excess
• B. Risk for impaired skin integrity related to edema, skin fragility, and poor wound healing
• C. Body image disturbance related to weight gain and edema
• D. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to thyroid hormone excess

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to thyroid hormone excess. In hyperthyroidism, increased metabolic rate leads to increased nutritional needs, causing weight loss and muscle wasting. Therefore, addressing imbalanced nutrition due to excessive thyroid hormone is a priority. Choice A is incorrect as hyperthyroidism typically leads to weight loss, not weight gain. Choice B is less of a priority as skin issues are secondary to the metabolic disturbances caused by hyperthyroidism. Choice C, body image disturbance, is important but addressing the client's nutritional needs should take precedence to prevent further complications.

5. When assessing a male client with pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes excessive catecholamines, Nurse April is most likely to detect:

• A. A blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg
• B. A blood glucose level of 130 mg/dl
• C. Bradycardia
• D. A blood pressure of 176/88 mm Hg

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes excessive catecholamines, leading to symptoms such as hypertension. The normal blood pressure range is around 120/80 mm Hg, so a blood pressure reading of 176/88 mm Hg is most likely to be detected in a client with pheochromocytoma. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because pheochromocytoma typically presents with hypertension, not a normal or low blood pressure (choice A), not related to blood glucose levels (choice B), and not bradycardia (choice C).

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